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Jason Mackey's Pirates chat: 07.21.21
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Jason Mackey
12:00
Hello, everyone, and welcome to my weekly Pirates chat. Might be a rough one. Juggling Bubba Chandler, a Todd Tomczyk availability and trying to find my server and pay my bill for breakfast. Not sure which one is more difficult. Anyway, fire away. I'll do my best.
Skinny Pete
12:03
Assume that in a few days now the Pirates are at full strength (ha ha) with Moran, Tom, etc all available but Frazier has been dealt. What does your everyday lineup and batting order look like?
Jason Mackey
12:05
Well, first off, I don't think that's going to happen in a few days. Frazier will be dealt, yes. But I don't know about Moran and Tom by then, and I'm not sure Tom really matters. To answer your question, though, I actually expect them to keep playing Difo for Frazier at this point. It also depends on what happens with Polanco. Do they trade him? They could try Nogowski out there and Moran at first. Could also look to get Alford an opportunity. He's continued to hit. Again, I know it's hard because this is a chat and a I love yinz folks asking questions. But I can't always present a linear, coherent because a lot can happen and teams typically don't plan that far out.
Sunner in Orlando
12:05
Hi Jason thanks for the chats! What in the world is going on with the bullpen struggles? What used to be the strength of the team is now the most glaring weakness. Is it the pitchers coming back to earth after a great start or have they been used too much since our starters rarely pitch more than 5 innings? If this keeps up, the Bucs may challenge the D backs for the number 1 pick. (not necessarily a bad thing)
Jason Mackey
12:06
This is a really good point. And maybe an under-discussed storyline. But a couple things. One, they're not throwing strikes. That's obvious. Also, when they do, they've been meatballs. Some of it could be a slump. Guys also have been pitching outside of normal roles -- I.e. Austin Davis protecting a two-run lead last night. Should be Sam Howard territory. Or Good Kyle Crick. Some could be coming back down to earth, and I agree, not a bad thing. If you're gonna be bad, be bad. Just don't draft poorly.
Sunner in Orlando
12:07
Any rumors about Polanco getting DFA'd or are the Bucs still holding out hope that the Yanks or some desperate team may need his bat?
Jason Mackey
12:07
I think they're holding out hope they can get something for him.
Sunner in Orlando
12:07
While the team had a fun weekend vs the Mets, does the constant losing wear on these guys? Do you see a long losing streak coming after the trade deadline? Are vets like Stallings and Frazier keep things light and in perspective?
Jason Mackey
12:08
They don't enjoy it, obviously. Nobody would. At the same time, they're pros. It's their job to give everything they have and create an entertaining product. They also know that how they perform will dictate how they're paid. So, yeah. Nobody likes losing, but there's more to it.
Lad09
12:09
Jason, anything more to the Crick DFA than on the field performance?  He struck me as a bit of a jerk, and a few weeks ago he managed to work the most unflappable person on the team, Jason Stallings, into a very public rage in the dugout. Thank you for your tremendous coverage btw.
Jason Mackey
12:10
To the DFA, no. It was about performance and availability. Someone could be the most surly person on the planet, and as long as that wasn't illegal or a huge detriment to the club, pretty sure teams would tolerate it. I always got along well with Crick and know not of what you speak with Stallings. I will say that people have arguments and get heated all the time. This matters quite a bit to a lot of people. Tempers flare. Doesn't mean someone is a flat-out jerk.
V. Fontaine
12:10
There was a story yesterday regarding the A's and their Stockton Single A team. Essentially, the A's make their players stay at a specific hotel and make the players pay for it, which in many instances leaves the players with little to no money. Do you know if the Pirates have similar arrangements?
Jason Mackey
12:11
The Pirates are on the good end of treating minor leaguers and are at an advantage at Class A because of Pirate City. I think all organizations can do better, obviously. It's a focal point right now, as it should be. But I've heard of no such horror stories with the Pirats.
Pirates*
Combo
12:11
Is it just me or is it looking like Arizona is a much better squad than the Pirates? I am looking past these last couple games, but it seems like they actually have better players, which will only get worse once Frazier is dealt.
Jason Mackey
12:12
You can't just the health of a baseball team off of one series. If you did that, the Pirates would be a better team than the Mets and Braves.
V. Fontaine
12:12
Why bring up Mears to not use him? I know Wright hasn't been great in AAA but he has a lot of experience in the majors. It doesn't make sense to me how Shelton uses pitchers.
Jason Mackey
12:13
He pitched last night. Pitched well, too. I agree, Shelton has been weirdly hesitant with Mears, but maybe last night will change that. And I, too, disagree with Shelton on pitcher usage. Like Anderson last night. He deserves the time to work through whatever issues he was experiencing. I would take him working through stuff over Austin Davis.
Sunner in Orlando
12:13
I would think the signings of 3 of their top picks is very positive. Do they have an idea about the other unsigned draft choices that have some other opportunities? (ie..PSU football)
Jason Mackey
12:16
There's plenty of optimism I'm hearing around the potential signings of White Jr. and Kellington. It's gonna be tight, but I do think they can sign them.
Bill
12:16
Jason-  I'm kind of over seeing a guy like Holmes have relief meltdowns (seem to be happening more since the MLB substance crackdown). Any chance we ultimately see guys like Mears, Ogle, Spitzbarth in the bullpen soon?
Jason Mackey
12:18
Mears was up last night -- so, yeah. Potentially on Ogle and Spitzbarth. I do think they need to start looking under more rocks if this continues, but I also don't have an issue with allowing Holmes to work through this. We saw how good he can be earlier this year when he's on. I really don't think it's a stick stuff issue either. It's controlling his sinker. Hardly new with him.
TPHunter
12:18
Hi Jason. What does your gut instinct tell you about whether the Pirates can sign both Lonnie White Jr. and Braylon Bishop?
Jason Mackey
12:19
I think Kellington should be a priority over Bishop, first off. I think they need to get both under contract, then pursue the 14th rounder. That said, I'm sure you think about it a little. Again, I'm hearing good things about both. I question some how I think it can fit, but people more closer to the situation than me are positive about it, so ... I guess we'll see.
TPHunter
12:19
Any idea on how soon the trading frenzy will begin?
Jason Mackey
12:20
I still think we have a little bit, although to quote Cherington, I'm never good at predicting these things.
TPHunter
12:20
Losing the first two to an awful Arizona squad didn't really surprise me because I think the Bucs had a hangover from that wild Mets series. Agree?
Jason Mackey
12:21
No. They lost last night because their bullpen stunk. They lost the night before because they stranded, what, 11? Chase De Jong gave up three homers. I really don't think these guys carry one series or game into the next all that often. Yes, the play poorly sometimes. Often the other team has more talent. But I don't think it's because of what happened the day or series before.
Terry Martin-Alpharetta, GA
12:21
Top of the AM Jason from Atlanta, GA...Finding it nice for a change to read about positives and the Pirates draft! Just wanted to complement you on your updates and analysis on the draft. You did a fine job informing we Bucco Fan! Terry Martin-Woodstock, GA, long time Pirates Fan!
Jason Mackey
12:21
Good morning, Terry. I'm glad you have enjoyed the draft coverage. Thank you very much for the kind words.
Terry Martin-Alpharetta, GA
12:21
Jason, Do you see the Bucs holding onto both Wilmer Difo and Erik Gonzalez over the 2nd half of the 2021 Season? Difo sure is fitting in wherever he plays. While Erik can field, his hitting is up and down. Thoughts...
Jason Mackey
12:22
I think it depends on the offers they get -- if any. I can't imagine there will be many or any, but you never know. Difo is a versatile, energy guy off the bench. Maybe someone needs that, I don't know. But, yeah. I would expect to see them play in the second half, although they also need to get Castro some reps, assuming they trade Frazier.
Bill
12:22
When do we see Alford get a second chance? He's returned from injury and still hitting well.
Jason Mackey
12:23
Agree. I think after the trade deadline if he'll still producing. You have Reynolds and Gamel, and I do think they want to keep playing Polanco, hopefully someone is willing to part with a marginal prospect.
Terry Martin-Alpharetta, GA
12:23
Jason, one last question...It appears that starting pitching is our Achilles again this season. With DeJong going down. What other Bucco minor leaguers will get an opportunity to pitch for the big club. Saw where Kranick is back up. If Tyler Anderson is traded it is going to be slim pickings outside of Stephen Brault.  Terry Martin-Woodstock, GA
Jason Mackey
12:24
It is, yeah. Beau Sulser? Dunno how excited I am there, although he has pitched well for Class AAA Indy. Brault, yes. Maybe Miguel Yajure if he gets back. Kranick will get to pitch. Honestly, not a ton they can do right now.
PrinceBob
12:24
Glad you're back to Wednesday. It throws me when you're on a different day. Do you know what's up with the schedules for AAA and AA? I'm on the coast of Massachusetts right on the NH line. I've usually gone to see the Curve when they're in either Manchester or Portland or both and I have gone to Pawtucket, which I think is now Worcester, much closer, when Indianapolis was there. But neither team gets closer to me this year than Hartford. Is this a COVID thing or a permanent change?
Jason Mackey
12:24
I try to do Wednesday unless there's a game or travel that bumps it. I don't know what you mean about schedules. Can you be more specific?
Joel
12:24
So, Bubba Chandler is in the fold! What’s the latest on Lonnie White Jr?
Jason Mackey
12:25
Hearing optimism he'll be a Pirate. One figure I heard -- unconfirmed -- is $1.3 million. We shall see. But I'm thinking he signs based on the intel I've received.
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